Workers' Stories
"I am a bouncer in a bar and am not a smoker, but I am
forced to inhale other's cigarette and cigar smoke every
minute that I am at work. By the end of the night, I
have a sore throat. I wake up the next day with a
sore throat. My clothes stink like smoke when I get
home, and even make my room smell. All the time,
people blow their smoke right in my face, and there is
nothing I can do about it...Why should anyone be forced to
breath in toxins created by others in a public place?"
- Gregg, Bouncer
"I began waitressing and bartending to support myself after
my parents passed away when I was 20 years old.
Without a college degree, no other job would allow me to
pay all the bills I had and help me to attend classes as
well. After three years, however, I began to get very
sick whenever I was at work due to the second-hand
smoke...I had to quit the job I loved, sacrifice my
education during the day, and give up my livlihood."
- Catherine, waitress/bartender
"…Smokers can always step outside, but non-smokers
will not step inside…As a server in this industry I
have seen many customers move tables, sections, or leave
altogether, offended by just one cigarette..."
- Meghan, server
"The Smoking ban in Philadelphia is long overdue.
Everyone should be able to work in an environment that will
not disturb their health. Going out in the city
should not be conditional on smoking. A cross city
ban is the only way to not only protect our workers and
business owners, but to also promote a more lively,
enjoyable setting for our residents and visitors."
- Terence, Wine specialist
"Pennsylvania is one of only 26 states that have yet to
have a smoking ban instituted on either the local or state
level...Are we that behind? Why can’t we get on board
with legislation that can only improve our quality of life?
Philadelphia was once one of the most progressive cities in
America. Think back on our 'revolutionary' history.
What’s happened?"
- Caren, Server
"As for the safety issue (personally the most critical to
me): I feel it is more important to ensure the long term
health and well being of the employees of these
establishments than to protect the pleasure of a
“comfortable” smoke of the customer."
- Server
Please share your own story
about your experience with secondhand smoke and your
reasons for wanting a smoke-free workplace here.
